should small parcels be taxed?

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Faced with the surge of Chinese parcels, the government wants to propose a new tax: a surplus of two euros as soon as the value of a parcel is less than 150 euros. Objective: to replenish the funds, stop the arrival of non-compliant products and reduce pollution due to their transport. Among consumers met in the morning, the measure divides, both on the principle and on its effectiveness. “I already find delivery costs exorbitant enough on some sites. There, if we have to pay two euros more for little things…“, denounces a man. “It can be a good signal, but as for the effectiveness, I wonder“, asks a woman.

For some, two euros is not enough. An amendment therefore proposes to increase this tax to 10 euros per parcel. More dissuasive, according to a Macronist MP. “Two euros, I think it was a bit symbolic. It’s a start, it’s a sign we’re giving, but it’s not enough of a deterrent. And that’s why I multiplied it by five, because I think it makes you think a little more”argues Graziella Melchior, EPR deputy for Finistère. According to the RN, on the other hand, it would be a new attack against the most precarious. “It’s madness compared to the French who are struggling, who can’t make ends meet. And sometimes it’s a little pleasure to buy these few products online.” denounces Thomas Ménage, RN deputy for Loiret.

The effectiveness of the system also raises questions, because Chinese companies could easily escape the tax. “For China, it is very simple to export these small parcels to countries in the European Union which are not France, for example Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, to European warehouses outside France, and then to re-export the small parcels to France from these warehouses.“, analyzes Anthony Morlet-Lavidalie, economist at Rexecode. MEPs will examine the measure in the coming hours.